Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is the front-runner in Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary Tuesday against David Crowley, the handpicked successor of outgoing Gov. Tony Evers. A win by Hong would represent a significant progressive victory and could set up a test of whether the movement's politics can succeed in one of the nation's most competitive battleground states.
The race has drawn attention as a potential bellwether for progressive candidates heading into 2028, with some organizers arguing that a Hong victory could serve as a dry run for presidential hopefuls like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. However, several top national progressive figures have declined to endorse her candidacy despite campaigning for other prominent left-leaning candidates this cycle.
What the Right Is Saying
Critics from within her own party and across the aisle have raised questions about Hong's political judgment. She has faced scrutiny over old social media posts advocating for canceling Thanksgiving and defunding police — comments she now describes as "bad takes" she has learned from.
Senate Majority Leader Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) declined to endorse Hong and did not comment when asked by Politico, though two people familiar with his thinking said he views Hong as less vetted than other candidates. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also declined to endorse, saying her focus is on winning back Congress and the Senate.
Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) told reporters she was unfamiliar with Hong. "I don't know her," the senator said in a brief hallway interview.
Wisconsin Republicans are already planning attacks highlighting Hong's signing of a questionnaire from the Madison-area Democratic Socialists of America, in which candidates agree to uphold the DSA platform and "view themselves as socialist organizers first, and legislators second." They also plan to focus on her deputy campaign manager, who has an OnlyFans account.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive supporters argue Hong represents a new generation of Democratic Socialists willing to take bold positions on healthcare, housing and economic inequality. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has endorsed Hong, calling her a candidate who understands working-class struggles. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) traveled to Wisconsin to campaign with Hong, and leftist influencer Hasan Piker held a rally with her in Milwaukee earlier this month.
"If Francesca Hong is elected the governor of Wisconsin, people are going to see somebody working very, very rigorously as the governor to pursue a set of policies that people are rapidly going to recognize are in their best interests," said Alan Minsky, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America. He compared her potential governorship to that of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose popularity he described as "off the charts."
On electability concerns, Minsky acknowledged the scrutiny but said: "The proof will be in the pudding in November." Some progressive organizers contend that Hong's willingness to discuss difficult topics, including police reform and economic justice, resonates with voters tired of incremental change.
What the Numbers Show
Wisconsin is decided by extremely narrow margins. Donald Trump won the state in 2024 by fewer than 30,000 votes out of more than 3 million cast. Joe Biden carried it in 2020 by under 21,000 votes — one of the closest margins in any state that cycle.
A July Marquette Law School poll found that democratic socialism had a net negative favorability rating among all registered voters in Wisconsin. The state's history of close general elections underscores the high stakes for November, regardless of Tuesday's primary outcome.
Hong enters primary day as the front-runner against Crowley, Evers' chosen successor, though polling in the race has been limited and the outcome remains uncertain heading into Election Day.
The Bottom Line
Tuesday's primary will test whether progressive candidates can win competitive statewide races in battleground states despite reluctance from some national party figures. If Hong wins the nomination, Democrats will face a difficult general election in a state where past presidential winners have prevailed by razor-thin margins.
National progressive leaders' silence on Hong's candidacy reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party over electability versus policy ambition. The outcome could shape how prominent left-leaning politicians approach future endorsements and whether 2028 presidential hopefuls invest early in down-ballot races. Republicans have already signaled they will make Hong's association with democratic socialism a central campaign theme if she becomes the nominee.